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(ii) The search task dimension, which includes seeking and retrieval<br />

practices<br />

(iii) The actor/user dimension that takes into account the user's knowledge<br />

and procedural skills, motivation and emotions<br />

(iv) The perceived search task dimension as understood by the actor/user,<br />

including information need types and perceived information space<br />

(v) The document dimension, which includes document content and<br />

genres and collections in various languages and media, which may contain<br />

information relevant to the user<br />

(vi) The algorithmic search engine dimension, which covers the<br />

representation <strong>of</strong> documents, information or information needs. It also<br />

covers tools and support for query formulation and methods for matching<br />

document and query representation<br />

(vii) The algorithmic interface dimension, which covers tools for<br />

visualisation and the presentation <strong>of</strong> information objects, ·collections and<br />

their organization<br />

(viii) The access and interface dimension, which covers strategies for<br />

information access, and the interaction between the actor and the interface<br />

(both in social and system's contexts)<br />

3.6 Information use<br />

Bartlet and Tom (2005:3-4) argue that use <strong>of</strong> information is a factor that<br />

drives all other information behaviours, since it is the ultimate purpose for<br />

which information is needed and sought. Common questions that therefore<br />

arise during interviews include how the information will be used, or for what<br />

purpose it is sought.<br />

Alternatively, in a comprehensive study <strong>of</strong> post-1978 literature on<br />

information needs and uses, Dervin and Nilan (1986) argue that most<br />

studies have left the terms "information needs" and "information uses"<br />

undefined. According to the authors, it is implied that by knOWing how users<br />

86

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